While childish threats and attacks affect me personally much less than substantial criticism, I do recognize that others feel differently. I think a policy of banning users for threats and abuse is therefore reasonable. However, seeing that the relevant "Rule to Consider" was added today on 12:51, and the violations of that rule occurred before that date, I would prefer to warn 24 via email first and start the ban after the next violation.
Axel
wikipedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org